Emergency Medical Services EMT Basic, Skill Set

John Hitchens, Emergency Medical Services Program Coordinator
(304)367-4501
Jhitchens@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Emergency Medical Services EMT Basic Skill Set will allow students to complete the EMT-Basic Credential necessary for work as an Emergency Medical Technician. Students must successfully complete the course with a minimum grade of “C” and successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT Basic certification process to receive the Skill Set. Completers may also be currently enrolled in or may continue their education in the Emergency Medical Services Certificate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Science degree programs. Student should possess good physical conditioning, strength and dexterity, have good vision and coordination and be able to respond quickly while applying critical thinking skills.

Program Admissions

Admission into the EMT Basic Skill Set is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. To apply, select “Skill Set: EMT Basic” as their educational goal on their application.
   2. Current students will need to complete a Change of Major form and select “EMT Basic (Skill Set)” as their requested major.

Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

According to West Virginia Division of Health Legislative Rules 64 CRS 48-9 and 48-10, anyone wishing to receive certification from the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services must meet and maintain the qualifications contained in this legislation.  Certification will be denied or revoked to anyone not being able to meet these requirements.  Contact the WV Office of Emergency Medical Services at (304) 558-3956 or http://www.wvoems.org to obtain a copy of these requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Successful completers of this Skill Set will be able to do the following:

• Perform basic first aid using established protocols
• Assess patients’ vital condition using critical thinking while under stress and in emergency situations
• Attain the necessary skill and knowledge to be able to earn the EMT-Basic Credential and be eligible for work as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

Opportunities

EMTs that possess an EMT-Basic Certification are qualified to assess patients’ vital condition (respiratory, cardiac, trauma) and management, perform basic first aid, and maintain vehicles and supplies. EMT-basics work side by side with EMT-Intermediates and Paramedics. Jobs sites include EMS agencies funded by cities or municipalities, fire departments, hospitals, ambulance companies, and private industry. EMT-Basics may continue their education by completing certification for ambulance driving or continuing on to EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic status.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the EMT-Basic profession with expected national growth from 2012-2022 to be (15%), with a median national annual salary of $33,380 (2017).